The greenhouse | To govern is to foresee, and that certainly applies to climate policy

The urgent need for climate policy remains a critical challenge, despite scientific warnings dating back thirty years. While experts suggest that experiencing the direct impacts of climate change—such as droughts, floods, or extreme heat—might drive public urgency, research shows that personal experience with climate disasters does not always correlate with stronger support for environmental policies. Even as the global climate continues to warm, with records being broken annually, there is a disconnect between recognizing the problem and prioritizing it politically, as seen in fluctuating voter priorities during election cycles.

Furthermore, the climate crisis presents a global injustice, as the most severe impacts often strike regions that contribute the least to greenhouse gas emissions. The reliance on short-term political and economic interests complicates necessary long-term action. As global temperatures rise due to factors like El Niño and shifting energy demands, addressing the crisis requires looking beyond immediate borders and personal experiences. Ultimately, effective governance requires foresight to prevent environmental catastrophes before they occur, rather than reacting only after the damage is already done.